A Nursing student’s journey to uplift the dignity of people of African descent

Bilkisu Ahmed (pictured below), who is set to finish her master’s in Nursing this year, is Nigerian herself, and says she noticed the inequalities that were commonplace in the area that she grew up in from a young age.

“I was born and raised in Nigeria, in a community full of strength and resilience but also marked by deep struggles. From an early age, I noticed how inequality shaped our lives - how some voices mattered more than others, how some people had access to care while others were left behind.

“As a young girl, I often watched mothers bring their sick children to clinics that had no medicine, no equipment, and sometimes, no health workers. Those images stayed with me.”

After qualifying as a registered nurse and working with labouring mothers, children fighting illnesses, and families struggling in poverty, Bilkisu says she began to see health not as a medical issue, but as a matter of human rights, with each patient reminding her that behind every illness is a story of inequality. It was following this that her journey expanded beyond the walls of the hospital, leading her to found the Sarauniayyah Aid Foundation, a community-based organisation driven by compassion and justice.  

“Through our work, I witnessed the invisible weight many African women carry – the pain of being unheard, the struggle to access education or healthcare, and the fear of speaking out against abuse.

“I realised that the challenges we face as Africans are not just individual struggles but part of a much larger story of people of African descent fighting to reclaim their dignity, voice, and rightful place in the world.”

The work for the foundation involved travelling to remote villages, meeting communities with no clean water, schools or healthcare facilities, and meeting with courageous mothers, children who dreamed beyond their circumstances, and youth who volunteered to help others despite having so little themselves.

“I have seen how informed advocacy can change lives,” Bilkisu said, “how a single campaign can protect children from abuse, or how educating women about their rights can transform entire communities.”

“But I have also learned that to create lasting change, we must continue learning, connecting, and amplifying our voices together.”

It was this that led Bilkisu to enrol onto a master's in nursing, with a mission to combine care with advocacy, and compassion with courage.  

“I chose Salford due to the learning environment, but I had also heard a lot about the great student support system.

“For me, pursuing a master's degree represents an important step in both my career and educational growth, providing an opportunity to deepen my understanding of evidence-based theory and research.

“For anyone interested in expanding their knowledge and applying research to real-life healthcare challenges, a master’s programme offers valuable learning and professional development.”

Through her time at Salford, she hopes to deepen her knowledge and understand how global systems of health and human rights connect with the realities of African communities.  

“My story is not just about me – it's about the power of empathy, resilience, and the unwavering belief that people of African descent deserve care and respect everywhere.”

“I hold onto one simple truth; promoting the rights of people is not a duty, it is a legacy, and I carry that legacy forward, one act of care and one voice of hope at a time.”